Preview: Rovers U23s v Newcastle U23s

Wing wizard Harry Chapman is expected to play his first match in five months after recovering from a hamstring injury, when Rovers U23s take on Newcastle United at Leyland on Monday night.

After picking up a hamstring tear in the goalless draw with Wigan back in October, Chapman has been working his way back to full fitness and tonight's match with the Magpies is the last leg of his recovery.

Chapman will get some much-needed minutes under his belt, with manager Tony Mowbray expected to run the rule over the Middlesbrough loanee, with a view to welcoming him back into the first team fold for Saturday's trip to Gillingham.

“It’s good to have Harry back, he’s always chirpy and doing something stupid so the other lads have a laugh with him," Mowbray said. "You can see what he brings in training, he skips past people and creates chances – he’s doing fine.

"He’s trained this week and we’ll give him a run-out on Monday for the Under-23s. If he comes through that, he’s ready to go.

“He probably has to play a game and Monday is a good opportunity, just for a part of the game. He can do whatever he needs to do and then we have to try to utilise him as well as we can – hopefully he can get us over the line.”

Aside from Chapman, the likes of Peter Whittingham may also play a part, with the midfielder appearing for the first time in 2018 in the Lancashire FA Senior Cup semi-final against Bury last week.

The 33-year-old got 45 minutes under his belt that night and could possibly aim for an hour or more against Newcastle.

Joe Nuttall and Dominic Samuel led the line against Bury and having both not featured in the first team outing against Blackpool at the weekend, the strike duo get some more minutes under their belts.

The visitors come into the game a place off the bottom of the Premier League 2 table and have lost their last four league games.

That's stark contrast to Rovers, who remain top of the table and got back on track last time out when they beat a Stoke side, who included Kevin Wimmer and Saido Berhino in their starting lineup, 1-0 at the bet365 Stadium.

Kick-off at the Lancashire FA County Ground is at 7pm. All supporters are welcome. Entry is FREE for season ticket holders, otherwise admission is £3 for adults and £1 for concessions.